The plan calls for the replacement of hundreds of miles of electric cable, the replacement of thousands of poles, “substantial improvement” of underground networks, improved line clearance to reduce the chance of power outages from trees, and new substations.

“Enhanced reliability is important not only to our existing customers but for the economic development of our communities. The availability of affordable, reliable power is key to keeping existing businesses and attracting new ones,” he said.

The new substations will be built in South Bend, Fort Wayne and Muncie. South Bend’s new substation will be located on the former Oliver Plow, which is currently a brownfield site.

The Oliver Plow substation will primarily serve the Notre Dame Turbomachinery Facility, which is planned to open in 2016 and will be the nation’s foremost research and test facility for large gas turbine engines.